Vascular impulse technology versus elevation for the reduction of swelling of lower extremity joint fractures: results of a prospective randomized controlled study

研究概要

One hundred hospitalized patients with ankle/foot joint fractures scheduled for surgical intervention were randomized to receive vascular impulse technology in the form of intermittent pneumatic compression (n=50) or elevation of the affected limb (n=50) for the reduction of swelling. The primary outcome of interest was the time from hospitalization to operability. Secondary outcomes of interest included pain intensity, days of narcotic usage, incidence of complications and revision, median length of hospitalization, and % of swelling reduction per day. VAS pain scores were assessed pre-operation, post-operation and discharge, whilst narcotic usage was was measured pre- and post-operation. Results demonstrated significantly lower time from hospitalization to operability in the venous impulse technology group compared to the elevation group (p=0.004). Moreover, pain scores at all time-points were significantly lower in the venous impulse technology group (p<0.05 for all). Moreover, swelling reduction per day, median length of stay, and the incidence of revision were all significantly lower in the venous impulse technology group (p<0.05 for all).